ROAR THROW IN 50 CENTS WORTH
LOCAL Sports Stars award one week, stepping on to an ALeague pitch the next.
Gold Coast football fanatic Liam Barnes is set for a small sample of life as a professional player after being given the honour of tossing the coin before the game at tomorrow’s A-League fixture between the Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix.
The 12-year-old, who earlier this year was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and could face a future in a wheelchair, powered on to play for Magic United and The Crusaders and earlier this month won the
Bulletin’s Local Sports Stars award in the individual category after not letting anything get in his way.
That drive has been noticed by the Roar, who were quick to offer Barnes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “BRFC were made aware of the inspiring story of Liam and the difficulties he has had as a young man. Knowing his passion for sport and football we thought he is a worthy role model to step out on the field of play for the coin toss,” the club’s managing director and local Gold Coast resident, David Pourre, said.
“The football community is always there to support people through the good and the not so good times and we hope that Liam and his family enjoy Sunday with our family at Suncorp Stadium.”
THE FOOTBALL COMMUNITY IS ALWAYS THERE TO SUPPORT PEOPLE ROAR OFFICIAL DAVID POURRE